[geeks] VT420 ConnectivityQuestions

[Lionel Peterson]

I researched this a while ago, but now I can't find it: can I connect to a VT420 terminal through the DB25 connector on the back, or do I have to use either of the MMJ ports?

My initial tests tell me the DB25 is simply for a local printer, the terminal sessions want to be on one of the MMJ ports, correct?

Can someone help me configure a 'no soldering' solution to connect my VT420 to the on-board UART on the RPi 4 GPIO pins? I assume www.pacificcable.com is the preferred vendor, and what I need is a cable to go from MMJ on the terminal to a DB9 Female connector, probably null modem, since I want to hook the terminal to the TX/RX pins on the RPi 4 thru a level converter that takes TTL-level signals to 'proper' RS-232 level.

My research shows the MMJ to DB9 or DB/5 requires shorting a few pins together, and that's hard to do with an MMJ->DB9 adapter shell - pacific cable shows what appear to be pre-built adapters for $6 vs $3.50 for DIY adapter shells

Any advice? Reccomendation?

I think I need an MMJ cable & pre-built adapter shell.

Ken

Ken